FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

1 March 2021

Contact: Michelle Criqui

mccriqui@ourmilitarykids.org

In April, the Month of the Military Child, OMK honors the courage and sacrifices of military children during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Oakton, VA — As a way to recognize the strength and sacrifices of military kids and teens during the Month of the Military Child, Our Military Kids (OMK) is announcing the Courageous Kids of 2020 Contest. OMK is honoring the additional challenges military children and teens faced in 2020 while having a parent in recovery from severe combat-related injuries, deployed overseas or activated stateside with the National Guard or Reserve. While OMK successfully gave out 4,000 grants in 2020 for safe and socially distanced extracurricular activities totaling more than $1 million, the nominee does not have to be a previous grant recipient.

Beginning March 1, 2021, OMK is accepting nominations from community members for military kids, ages 3-18, to be recognized for their resilience, strength, and courage while having a parent who, in 2020:

● deployed overseas with the National Guard or Reserve,

● was activated stateside on COVID-19 or Southwest Border Missions, OR

● underwent treatment for severe combat-related injuries sustained in a post-9/11 mission.

Winners will be selected from every branch of service and will each receive a $100 Amazon gift card. Each winner’s story will also be shared across OMK’s website, social media, and e-newsletter.

“The coronavirus crisis made 2020 a very challenging year for our country so it’s difficult for most of us to imagine how military families coped with the pandemic when their service member was deployed overseas, activated stateside, or in recovery from combat-related injuries,” said OMK’s Executive Director and U.S. Navy Veteran Kara Dallman. “We are asking you to nominate a military child who may be your neighbor, your niece or nephew, your student, or your own child. Let us recognize their service and sacrifice during this unprecedented time by highlighting the good they were able to do in their communities despite the circumstances.”

April was first designated as the Month of the Military Child in 1986 by former U.S. Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger as a time to spotlight the children serving at home, through sacrifices made and challenges faced while their parents serve our Nation.

To nominate an eligible military child or teen, please use OMK’s nomination form HERE. You may nominate as many military children or teens as you wish from March 1 – 31, 2021. Winners, selected on the basis of their dedication, resilience, and contributions to their families and communities in 2020, will be announced on OMK’s digital media platforms throughout April in honor of the Month of the Military Child.

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About Our Military Kids

Our Military Kids, Inc. supports military children (age 3 – 12th grade) by funding sports, arts, and other enrichment activities when their parents are deployed overseas with the National Guard or Reserve or recovering from severe injuries sustained in a post-9/11 overseas mission. Participation in these activities helps military children cope with stress and build self-confidence during an otherwise difficult time in their lives. For more information, please visit www.ourmilitarykids.org or contact Michelle Criqui at mccriqui@ourmilitarykids.org.